The family of a 30-year-old contractor, Ifeanyichukwu Ugeh, who was kidnapped in Asaba, Delta State, has been contacted by a man who claimed to have the victim.
A family source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the suspect, who did not identify himself, demanded N100, 000 which he said he would use to make some settlements before releasing the victim to the family.
PUNCH Metro had reported on May 4, 2015, that Ifeanyichukwu left home for work on February 27, 2015.
The Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State indigene, was reported to have been kidnapped on the Okpanam Expressway around 8am.
He was said to have been driven away in his car by two gunmen, who came out of a bush.
Efforts by policemen from the Okpanam Police Division to rescue him had been abortive, just as the family said it had yet to be contacted by the kidnappers.
However, after the publication, our correspondent learnt that someone called the family, claiming to have the victim.
The family source said, “After your publication, the man got our contact and called us. He said he had Ifeanyi and that he was in Ore in Ondo State.
“He said our brother had mental problem and he had asked him several questions about his relatives, but he could not remember anything. He said he was treating him when he saw the publication and got to know his real name. He said he also showed Ifeanyichukwu the story The PUNCH published and he said it was his picture.
“The man now went to his Facebook page and saw one of his friends, who gave him our number.”
Our correspondent learnt that the suspect, however, insisted that he did not kidnap the victim, but merely saw him on the road and decided to add him to his company of mentally sick patients.
The family source explained to PUNCH Metro that the family was negotiating with the caller on how to rescue Ifeayinchukwu, when he suddenly switched off his phone and had remained unreachable.
“He said he was afraid for his life and did not want the involvement of the police. But despite the assurances we gave him, he suddenly switched off his phone and we have not been able to reach him again,” he added.
Another family member, who did not want to be named, however, said she did not believe the suspect’s claim, adding that he might be one of the abductors.
PUNCH Metro was told that the victim’s family later decided to comb the Ore area, but did not find either the victim or the suspect.
The victim’s elder sister, Oprah, told our correspondent that their 85-year-old mother had been hospitalised as a result of the incident.
She said, “My mum has continued to ask if she would ever see her son alive again. We are appealing to the kidnappers to please release him. Whatever he has done; please forgive him and let him go.”
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State, DSP Celestina Kalu, was said to be unavailable for comment.
An unidentified officer, who spoke with our correspondent, said, “She is not available now. You can check back tomorrow (today).”
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